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Age of Wonders: Planetfall

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Item: Age of Wonders: Planetfall
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2019

GenresScience Fiction and Futuristic, Simulation, Turn-Based, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableAug 6, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

DeveloperTriumph Studios

Overview

Age of Wonders: Planetfall is the new strategy game from Triumph Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Age of Wonders and Overlord series, bringing all the exciting tactical-turn based combat and in-depth 4X empire building of its predecessors to space in an all-new sci-fi setting. Emerge from the cosmic dark age of a fallen galactic empire to craft a new future for your people. Explore the planetary ruins and encounter other surviving factions that have each evolved in their own way, as you unravel the history of a shattered civilization. Fight, build, negotiate and technologically advance your way to utopia, in a deep single player campaign, on random maps and against friends in multiplayer.

Elsewhere

6.1

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders: Planetfall dazzles with inventive factions, satirical sci-fi flair, and creative world-building but falters under generic writing, repetitive missions, and a plot that prioritizes tactics over storytelling, offering charm but lacking depth for genre fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

29%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Age of Wonders: Planetfall receives mixed praise, with several reviewers highlighting its unique faction dynamics and thematic depth. Critics like GameCritics commend the campaign’s evolution, noting that while it starts slowly with the Vanguard faction, it improves through engaging factions such as the Amazons and Kir’ko, offering a “refreshing change of pace.” GRYOnline.pl appreciates the satirical tone and nostalgic sci-fi references, while PC Gamer praises the richly developed setting and subversion of sci-fi tropes, emphasizing deep backstories for factions like the Dvar and Kir’Ko. The narrative’s exploration of diplomatic struggles, existential themes, and branching choices—such as those noted by The Indie Game Website and Worth Playing—adds layers of complexity, with some reviewers finding the story “competent” and “engaging” despite its genre’s typical storytelling limitations. However, many critics criticize the narrative for being underdeveloped or formulaic. PlayStation LifeStyle and GameSpace call the campaign “bland” and “subpar,” arguing it relies on sci-fi clichés and lacks a compelling plot. Metro GameCentral and IGN Spain point to generic writing, repetitive missions, and a lack of emotional engagement, with the latter noting that long missions feel like “mini-campaigns” and become tedious. AusGamers describes the story as “schizophrenic” and inconsistent, while GameStar and MMORPG.com highlight its secondary role to gameplay mechanics, failing to fully capitalize on its sci-fi premise. Even New Game Network acknowledges the narrative’s competence but notes that dialogue is unvoiced and missions lack depth, with some reviewers like Destructoid finding the campaign “not overly impressed” by its storytelling. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced view: while Planetfall’s story is praised for its faction diversity, world-building, and thematic ambition, it is often seen as secondary to the game’s tactical gameplay. Critics like TheXboxHub and SpazioGames appreciate the varied narratives and faction-specific missions, but many agree that the plot lacks the emotional weight or originality expected from a sci-fi story. The game’s focus on 4X mechanics over narrative depth is a recurring theme, with reviewers such as Destructoid and CGMagazine noting that its storytelling is “not a focal point.” Despite this, the campaign’s accessibility, humor, and unique elements—like laser dinosaurs or giant penguins (Games.cz)—provide enough charm to make it memorable for fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy those seeking a groundbreaking narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

A bold, complex hybrid of 4X strategy and tactical combat, Planetfall dazzles with depth, faction diversity, and modular customization but stumbles under its own ambition—overwhelming newcomers with a steep learning curve, opaque systems, and uneven balance, yet rewarding veterans with layered gameplay and replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Age of Wonders: Planetfall is widely praised for its ambitious fusion of 4X strategy and tactical combat, with many critics highlighting its depth and variety. Reviewers like GRYOnline.pl and GameCritics laud the game’s successful blend of Civilization-style empire-building with XCOM-inspired turn-based battles, emphasizing faction-specific research trees, diplomacy systems, and customizable units. The tactical layer is particularly noted for its complexity, featuring cover mechanics, flanking bonuses, and procedural battlegrounds that reward strategic thinking (Metro GameCentral, CGMagazine). GameSpot and IGN Spain commend the game’s balance between resource management and dynamic combat, while Cubed3 and SpazioGames appreciate the intricate systems of colony management and unit customization. The integration of multiple victory conditions, diverse factions, and modular unit builds further enhances replayability, with The Indie Game Website and USgamer pointing to its rich, layered design as a standout feature. However, several critics note that the game’s complexity can be overwhelming. Metro GameCentral and PC Gamer criticize the steep learning curve, citing unintuitive controls, micromanagement demands, and opaque systems like bloated tech trees (PlayStation LifeStyle, Destructoid). Cubed3 and Xbox Tavern mention that the strategic depth sometimes leads to analysis paralysis, slowing gameplay momentum. Others, such as IGN Spain and GameWatcher, point to issues like repetitive mission structures, combat balance flaws, and an unforgiving tutorial that hinders accessibility. While Vandal praises the tactical combat, they note that city planning lacks the nuance of games like Civilization VI, and Windows Central argues the strategic layer feels underdeveloped compared to its tactical counterpart. These critiques highlight a tension between the game’s ambition and its execution for less experienced players. Despite these drawbacks, the majority of critics agree that Planetfall’s gameplay is a strong, if imperfect, experience. The consensus leans heavily toward appreciation for its innovative hybrid mechanics, with GameCritics, GRYOnline.pl, and Game Debate emphasizing its appeal to strategy fans seeking depth and customization. While Metro GameCentral and PC Gamer acknowledge the challenges of accessibility, they also recognize the game’s potential for rewarding long-term engagement. The mixed reception reflects a balance between admiration for its complexity and frustration with its barriers to entry, but as Cubed3 and GameSpew note, the game’s strengths in tactical combat and faction diversity ultimately make it a compelling choice for enthusiasts. The overall sentiment underscores that Planetfall is a bold, if occasionally unwieldy, addition to the strategy genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Vibrant sci-fi visuals clash with bland execution: Planetfall dazzles with creative faction designs and lush environments but falters on usability, generic aesthetics, and over-ornate UIs, offering a stylish yet uneven experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Age of Wonders: Planetfall received a mix of praise for its creativity and thematic cohesion. Many critics highlighted the game’s vibrant, colorful sci-fi aesthetic, with GRYOnline.pl noting its "beautiful" strategic mode and "colorful, exaggerated, and visually cohesive" sci-fi setting. GameSpace praised the "gorgeous" hand-painted world design and randomly generated environments, while PC Gamer commended the distinct faction identities and detailed 3D terrain in tactical battles. The Overpowered Noobs described the visuals as "visually stunning," emphasizing "great character models, world maps, animations, and atmospheric visuals." Additionally, New Game Network and Windows Central lauded the game’s varied planetary environments, diverse faction aesthetics, and high-quality textures that contribute to an immersive sci-fi experience. These positive assessments underscore the game’s strengths in artistic creativity and thematic execution. However, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the visual design. Metro GameCentral criticized the "bland and generic" visuals, arguing they failed to make the sci-fi setting exciting, while Shacknews called the sci-fi aesthetic "bland and uninspired," comparing environments to a "game board" rather than immersive worlds. Issues with usability were also noted: Games.cz described the graphics as "average" with initial map clutter, and Vandal criticized excessive details that obscured units up close. UI-related problems, such as tiny text and icons (Metro GameCentral) and an "aesthetic over functional" interface (Vandal), further detracted from accessibility. Additionally, some reviewers, like CGMagazine and Xbox Tavern, pointed to minor visual bugs or a lack of standout graphical innovation, suggesting the game’s visuals, while competent, lacked the polish or originality seen in other titles. Overall, the critical reception of Age of Wonders: Planetfall’s graphics and visual design reflects a split between appreciation for its creative sci-fi themes and functional art style versus frustration with technical limitations and lack of innovation. While outlets like GameSpace, PC Gamer, and The Overpowered Noobs celebrated the game’s vibrant environments, detailed faction designs, and atmospheric visuals, others such as Metro GameCentral, Shacknews, and Vandal highlighted its generic aesthetics, usability issues, and missed opportunities for graphical ambition. Despite these mixed opinions, most critics acknowledged that the visual design effectively supports the game’s strategic and sci-fi elements, even if it falls short of pushing technical boundaries. The consensus suggests that while Planetfall offers a visually engaging experience, its execution is uneven, with strengths in creativity but notable flaws in polish and innovation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Mixed reviews: Praised for atmospheric immersion and thematic cohesion, but plagued by repetitive tracks, technical glitches, and a lack of originality that prevent it from shining beyond functional support.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Age of Wonders: Planetfall received generally positive feedback from several reviewers, who highlighted its atmospheric contributions and thematic cohesion. Games.cz praised the soundtrack for its "strong tracks with precise motif development," noting that it effectively supports the game’s tone despite being somewhat generic. MMORPG.com commended the score for enhancing the "ambiance of desolation" through well-crafted sound effects, while The Overpowered Noobs emphasized how atmospheric music and polished sound effects contribute to immersion. Windows Central also noted the balance between energetic action tracks and calm, mellow compositions that enrich the strategy gameplay experience. Additionally, New Game Network described the music as consistent with "flowing orchestras and triumphant battle tunes," suggesting it aligns well with the series’ legacy. These critiques underscore a shared appreciation for the audio’s ability to reinforce the game’s narrative and environmental storytelling. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws that detract from the overall experience. GameSpace criticized the sound design for "excessive ambient noise" (e.g., loud crickets) that overwhelms other audio elements, despite a volume slider being available. SpazioGames noted minor issues with sound effects occasionally falling out of sync, which they deemed fixable via patches. Xbox Tavern highlighted repetitive music in the over-world and a glitch causing complete silence, calling the score "unremarkable" despite efforts to craft it. Worth Playing directly criticized the music for lacking the impact of previous games in the series, while Games.cz acknowledged its generic nature. These critiques reveal concerns about technical inconsistencies, repetition, and a lack of standout musical moments that could elevate the experience beyond functional support. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciation for the sound design’s foundational strengths, tempered by technical and creative shortcomings. While many reviewers, including Games.cz, MMORPG.com, and The Overpowered Noobs, praised its atmospheric contributions and thematic coherence, others like GameSpace, SpazioGames, and Xbox Tavern emphasized persistent issues with balance, repetition, and polish. Despite these flaws, the music and sound design are largely seen as adequate for the game’s strategic and narrative goals, even if they fail to leave a lasting impression. The lack of exceptional originality or technical refinement suggests that while Planetfall’s audio elements serve their purpose, they fall short of setting a new standard for the series.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics panned Age of Wonders: Planetfall's voice acting as overwrought, inconsistent, and technically flawed, with its lack of subtlety and reliance on text undermining immersion, marking it as a missed opportunity despite minor atmospheric touches.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

67%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Age of Wonders: Planetfall receives mixed but largely unenthusiastic feedback from critics, with some noting its presence as a minor or atmospheric element. Metro GameCentral acknowledges the game’s voice acting as a “minor aspect,” though they highlight that the tutorial’s half-voiced dialogue is confusing and unhelpful. Similarly, The Overpowered Noobs mention that voice acting contributes to the game’s atmosphere, even if they don’t elaborate on its quality. New Game Network points out that while mission dialogue is entirely text-based—despite some humorous writing—the absence of vocal delivery is noted as a drawback. These observations suggest that while voice acting isn’t outright terrible, it’s not a standout feature and often feels underdeveloped or overlooked in favor of other gameplay elements. Critics largely criticize the voice acting for its lack of subtlety, inconsistency, and over-the-top delivery. Xbox Tavern directly criticizes the performances as “overly dramatic” and lacking immersion, while Worth Playing describes it as “mediocre at best.” New Game Network’s frustration with the absence of mission dialogue voicing underscores a broader issue: the game’s reliance on text-based communication, which some find jarring compared to more voice-driven experiences. Additionally, Metro GameCentral’s critique of the tutorial’s confusing half-voiced dialogue highlights how poor execution can detract from player experience. These negative assessments collectively paint a picture of voice acting that fails to meet expectations, either through technical shortcomings or creative choices that prioritize style over substance. The overall consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Age of Wonders: Planetfall is underwhelming and inconsistent, with most agreeing it neither enhances nor detracts significantly from the game’s core mechanics. While a few reviewers note its presence as part of the atmosphere (e.g., The Overpowered Noobs) or acknowledge minor efforts (e.g., Metro GameCentral), the majority view it as a missed opportunity. New Game Network and Xbox Tavern are particularly critical, emphasizing that the lack of mission voicing and overly dramatic performances undermine immersion. Despite some positive remarks about text-based dialogue’s humor, the general sentiment leans toward disappointment, suggesting that voice acting is neither a strength nor a major flaw but rather an area where the game could have improved.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders: Planetfall delivers stable core mechanics across platforms but is plagued by minor, fixable bugs, UI quirks, and control hiccups—particularly on consoles—though none derail gameplay, leaving a solid foundation with room for polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

100%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Age of Wonders: Planetfall across platforms shows a mix of positives and manageable flaws. On PS4, GameCritics acknowledged minor issues like a rough tutorial and unstable multiplayer but noted they don’t derail gameplay, while Metro GameCentral praised the game’s overall stability despite criticizing controls as unintuitive for consoles. For PC, critics like CGMagazine highlighted that bugs such as visual glitches are “minor and fixable,” and Destructoid observed that while gamepad controls felt unwieldy, there were no major technical issues. On Xbox One, reviewers like God is a Geek and GameSpew noted the absence of critical crashes or bugs, with Xbox Tavern acknowledging average stability despite some tutorial and sound glitches. Overall, the game’s core mechanics remain functional across platforms, with most critics agreeing that technical hiccups are not deal-breakers. However, platform-specific negatives emerge in several areas. On PS4, Metro GameCentral criticized poor console optimization and long battles, while Screen Rant highlighted lag during multiplayer and small UI text, and GameCritics pointed to unstable multiplayer and AI inconsistencies. For PC, Destructoid found gamepad controls “unwieldy,” The Overpowered Noobs reported AI freezes during enemy turns, and SpazioGames noted animation-sound sync issues, though these were deemed fixable. On Xbox One, Xbox Tavern criticized a “poorly designed tutorial” and sound glitches, while God is a Geek mentioned occasional AI erratic behavior. These flaws, while not catastrophic, collectively suggest that the game’s technical performance varies in polish depending on the platform. The overall consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders: Planetfall is technically stable but plagued by minor, often fixable issues across all platforms. While PS4 and PC reviewers emphasized UI bugs, AI inconsistencies, and control challenges, Xbox One critics noted similar concerns with tutorials and sound design. Despite these drawbacks, most agreed that the game’s core systems hold up, with CGMagazine and SpazioGames highlighting the potential for updates to resolve many issues. The lack of major crashes or systemic failures across platforms suggests that the game is playable and enjoyable, though its technical shortcomings—particularly on consoles—may frustrate some players. Ultimately, the critical reception leans toward a balanced view: a solid foundation with room for improvement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Age of Wonders: Planetfall thrives on faction-rich, customizable 4X gameplay with endless replay potential through dynamic strategies, multiplayer, and mod support—but its steep learning curve, repetitive mechanics, and formulaic elements risk alienating all but hardcore fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics highlight strong replayability in Age of Wonders: Planetfall, emphasizing its faction diversity, customization options, and varied gameplay mechanics. GameCritics notes the appeal of multiple factions (e.g., Vanguard, Kir'ko, Amazon) and victory conditions, while GRYOnline.pl and Screen Rant praise the game’s strategic depth through diverse strategies and branching paths. Metro GameCentral and CGMagazine point to procedural generation and faction-specific customization as key drivers of replayability, with Games.cz and TheXboxHub lauding multiplayer modes, skirmish options, and mod support for extending longevity. Many reviewers, including PC Gamer and Quarter to Three, stress that the game’s dynamic interactions—such as secret technologies, unit mods, and alliance-switching—create unique experiences across playthroughs, making it a compelling choice for fans of 4X strategy. However, several critics caution that replayability is not without limitations. Metro GameCentral and GameSpot mention the steep learning curve and repetitive mechanics (e.g., expansion decisions) as potential barriers, while GameStar and AusGamers note that faction similarities and formulaic campaign structures may reduce long-term engagement. Game Debate and Gamersky criticize predictability in diplomacy and colonization systems, arguing that these elements lack the innovation to sustain interest beyond initial playthroughs. Additionally, some reviewers, like Xbox Tavern, suggest that the game’s depth might only appeal to dedicated fans, with others (e.g., New Game Network) acknowledging late-game challenges that could deter players from revisiting the content. Overall, critics agree that Age of Wonders: Planetfall offers robust replayability for strategy enthusiasts, but its success hinges on individual preferences. While outlets like IGN Spain and Shacknews celebrate its high replay value through multiplayer modes, mod support, and randomized scenarios, others (e.g., GameStar, AusGamers) temper this enthusiasm by pointing to repetitive mechanics or a lack of innovation. The consensus leans toward the game being a “time sink” for those who enjoy deep strategy, as noted by TheXboxHub, but its accessibility and variety ensure it remains a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre—despite some flaws in execution.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

81%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall verdict for Age of Wonders: Planetfall is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its deep strategic mechanics, engaging tactical battles, and successful transition to a sci-fi setting. GameCritics and GRYOnline.pl highlight the game’s ability to blend elements of Civilization and XCOM, creating a unique hybrid experience that excels in faction diversity and tactical depth. CGMagazine and Screen Rant commend its rich content and customization options, while Games.cz and PC Gamer note its "robust 4X experience" and imaginative sci-fi setting. The game’s strategic complexity and replayability are frequently lauded, with reviewers like GameSpot and IGN Spain emphasizing its compelling narrative focus and balanced gameplay. These positives suggest that Planetfall is a standout entry in the strategy genre, particularly for fans of 4X and tactical combat. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks, including accessibility issues, a steep learning curve, and repetitive systems. Metro GameCentral and Cubed3 criticize the game’s excessive complexity and poor tutorial design, which may alienate newcomers. PlayStation LifeStyle and Game Debate argue that Planetfall feels derivative, lacking innovation despite its ambitious scope. Other concerns include underdeveloped storytelling (GameStar), pacing issues (Screen Rant), and uneven AI behavior (GameWatcher). Additionally, some reviewers like AusGamers and Xbox Tavern note that the game’s disjointed design and shallow narrative may limit its appeal to broader audiences. While these flaws don’t detract from its core strengths, they highlight areas where the game falls short of perfection. Despite mixed critiques, the consensus among critics is that Age of Wonders: Planetfall is a strong, if imperfect, addition to the strategy genre. Most agree it excels as a deep, complex experience for fans of 4X and tactical gameplay, with GameCritics and Games.cz calling it one of the best strategy games of the year. However, its accessibility challenges and repetitive elements mean it may not resonate with casual players or those seeking groundbreaking innovation. Critics like TheXboxHub and USgamer acknowledge its flaws but still recommend it for its rewarding mechanics and hybrid design. Ultimately, Planetfall is seen as a solid, if occasionally frustrating, title that successfully revitalizes the series while appealing primarily to dedicated strategy enthusiasts.

TL;DR

Age of Wonders: Planetfall delivers a deep, complex strategy experience blending Civilization and XCOM, praised for tactical depth, faction diversity, and sci-fi creativity. Critics rave about its hybrid design, rewarding mechanics, and narrative focus, calling it one of the year’s best strategy games. Yet, its steep learning curve, repetitive systems, and underdeveloped storytelling alienate newcomers, while derivative elements and uneven AI temper its appeal. A flawed but thrilling title for hardcore fans, it shines as a polished 4X triumph—just not without hurdles.

MONSTER

Reviews

90 reviews found

The Indie Game Website

Aug 6, 2019